Chapter 8

AN: Happy Easter! Sorry this is so short. Chapter 9 is longer, promise! Remember to review, I mean, share your thoughts. ;)

Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter and co. I created Melissa.

"Bloody hell," Mel yelled as she threw the giant book against the wall. "You would think, with all the people in this place, I would be able to tap into one person's mind."

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to expel all her frustration. "Come on Mel," she muttered to herself, "you can do this."

She closed her eyes and began searching for a relaxed mind. She had been able to expand her own mind's eye enough to see that of others. At this point, she was able to tell the difference between an active and relaxed mind. Relaxed minds, according to her book, were supposed to be easier to "takeover" than active minds, but she could not get passed anyone's mind's natural defenses long enough to get a firm foothold anywhere.

Mel quickly found a very relaxed mind. This person was so relaxed, they must have been sleeping or spacing out in class. Feeling hopeful, Mel pushed her mind forward. She was extremely, but happily, surprised to meet little resistance. She had almost completely infiltrated the mind when she was distracted by soft, warm pressure against her lips. Her eyes flew open to see Cedric sitting on the ground in front of her.

"I almost had it!" she whined.

"You're still doing that weird body takeover thing, then?" he asked.

"I am not taking over someone's body, just their mind," she corrected in a firm tone. "It'll help me to summon more specific visions."

"Hmm," Cedric said, failing to hide how odd he thought it all was.

"Why are you here anyway?" she snapped.

"I was bored," he shrugged. She glared at him, still upset by his interruption. He sighed dejectedly and said, "Practice on me."

"What?" Mel asked, taken aback.

"Practice on me," he repeated.

"Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yeah."

"Ok," Mel said, taking another deep breath. "Do your best to relax."

She watched him nod his head and look nervous before closing her eyes. She found his mind immediately, but experienced much more resistance than before. Once she broke through the first couple barriers, his mind became more relaxed. Finally, she pushed through the last barrier and took control of his mind. Wanting to be able to call upon visions that dealt with the future, she began there. It did not work right away. First there was nothing. Then there were swirls of colors, followed by fuzzy shapes and distant sounds. After what seemed like an hour, she was able to get a quick glimpse of his O.W.L scores. Feeling tired, she gently pulled her mind out of his. She opened her eyes to see him blinking in confusion.

"Did you do it?" he asked.

"Yeah," she breathed.

"What did you see?" he asked, scooting closer to her.

"That you'll be very happy with your exam scores," she said. She realized she was out of breath and a little shaky. Odd, she thought, the book did not say anything about side effects. "It wasn't much, but it's a start. You ok?"

"Yeah, I just feel like I spaced out there for a bit. Are you ok?" he asked, his eyes and tone full of concern.

"Yes, promise," she added at his questioning gaze. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he smiled, standing up and offering a hand to her. She accepted it. Upon standing, however, she felt dizzy. She immediately turned and used the desk for support, though she tried to hide by gathering her schoolbag and books.

"You sure you're ok?" Cedric asked again.

"Yes," she said turning to face him and forcing a smile. "You worry too much."

"Can you blame me?" he muttered. She chose to ignore this comment as she placed the strap of her bag on her shoulder.

"Shall we go to dinner?" she asked, walking toward the door. Cedric followed her, seemingly lost in thought.

"Did you know about Professor Lupin?" he asked suddenly.

"No, I didn't," she said. "I think something's wrong. I was doing so well with my visions when the school year started, but now…I'm missing things."

"Maybe you're just tired. Plus you've been spending a lot of time on the O.W.L's," Cedric suggested.

"Maybe," she sighed.

"Hey," Cedric said, brightening a bit, "What the chances of normal school year next year? You know, no attacks or monsters?"

"Even without a vision, I can tell you that's extremely unlikely to happen," she said, laughing a little.

Cedric laughed, "Yeah, you're probably right. Ok, so no normal school year. How about a low key summer with one incredible highlight?"

"The first part is definitely the plan as I'll be staying at Lindsey's for the summer. What's the incredible highlight?"

"The Quidditch World Cup," Cedric said.

"Are you serious?" Mel said, stopping in the entryway outside the Great Hall.

"Dad got tickets. You wouldn't be interested in going, would you?" he teased.

"Of course I'm interested!" she exclaimed, looking at him like he was insane for even asking.

Cedric laughed and wrapped an arm around her waist. "I knew there was something I liked about you."

"Oh, shut up," she said smiling, all worries about her visions temporarily forgotten.